Media bridge apparatus and methods

ABSTRACT

Methods and apparatus for content, media and data delivery and access between devices of a premises and one or more portable media devices. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a media bridge between a portable media device (PMD) and a user&#39;s home network and/or home devices (e.g., set-top boxes, DVRs, etc.)). The apparatus is adapted to convert content stored on a PMD to a format capable of being rendered on a home device which may then store or playback the content. Control of the presentation is also provided by the bridging apparatus. The apparatus may also be adapted to transfer content from the home device to the PMD for storage or playback. In another embodiment, the apparatus may function within a home network having a trusted domain to provide content between a plurality devices on the network (and in the domain) and the PMD.

PRIORITY

This application is a divisional of and claims priority to co-owned U.S.patent application Ser. No. 15/083,095 of the same title filed Mar. 28,2016, and issuing as U.S. Pat. No. 9,749,677 on Aug. 29, 2017, which isa continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser.No. 12/844,739 filed on Jul. 27, 2010 of the same title and issued asU.S. Pat. No. 9,300,919 on Mar. 29, 2016, which is a continuation of andclaims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/480,597 filedJun. 8, 2009 of the same title and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,602,864 onMar. 21, 2017, each of the foregoing incorporated herein by reference inits entirety.

COPYRIGHT

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialthat is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent documentor the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and TrademarkOffice patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrightrights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of content and/ordata management over a network. More particularly, the present inventionis related in one exemplary aspect to apparatus and methods forproviding programming content and/or data to a CPE via a substantiallycentralized media bridge in which is capable of communication with aportable media device.

2. Description of Related Technology

Recent advances in digital information processing and technology havemade a whole range of services and functions available for delivery toconsumers at their premises for very reasonable prices or subscriptionfees. These services and functions include digital content orprogramming (movies, etc.), digital video-on-demand (VOD), personalvideo recorder (PVR) and networked PVR (nPVR), Internet Protocoltelevision (IPTV), digital media playback and recording, as well highspeed Internet access and IP-based telephony (e.g., VoIP). Otherservices available to network users include access to, and recording of,digital music (e.g., MP3 files), as well local area networking(including wire-line and wireless local area networks) for distributingthese services throughout the user's premises, and beyond. Currently,many of these services are provided and delivered to the user via a widevariety of different equipment environments including, inter alia, cablemodems, Wi-Fi™ hubs, Ethernet hubs, gateways, switches and routers,computers, servers, cable or satellite networks and associated set-topboxes, and PSTNs.

Recent advances in consumer electronics have also led to the widespreadintroduction of a variety of portable media devices (PMDs) such as,inter alia, portable digital music devices such as the well known AppleiPod™ and other so-called “MP3 players”, cellular telephones/smartphones, handheld computers, and personal digital assistants (PDA), whichallow users to store and playback audio and video files. Various digitalaudio and video formats are utilized by PMDs. For example, MP3 playersstore a number of digitized audio files in the form of MP3 files whichare then made accessible to the user. Additionally, the servicesassociated with such technology are typically provided by multiplevendors including e.g., a cable service provider (MSO), cellular serviceprovider (CSP), wireless service provider (WSP), VoIP service provider,music download service, Internet service provider (ISP), PSTN telephoneservice, etc.

The myriad of services, equipment, data formats and providers can easilycreate confusion for a user, as often the equipment or services may notinteroperate with one another, thus reducing the overall utilityprovided to the user, and increasing their frustration level.

Accordingly, playback of audio and video files from a PMD is oftenlimited to playback via the device itself. In other words, a user mayonly select audio and video files from a PMD to be played back to theuser via the device. Thus, if a user stores video content, the user islimited to viewing the content on a display associated with the PMD.Although, certain apparatus have been recently developed to extend theplayback functionality of audio and video files on a PMD, theseapparatus fail to provide a user with the ability to convert audio andvideo files stored on a PMD into a format suitable for playback on asecond apparatus. Likewise, current apparatus fail to provide users withthe ability to move content stored on a device associated with a seconddevice to a PMD while also obeying any restrictions on copying ordistributing the content.

Furthermore, content conditional access (CA) paradigms currently in useare quite restricted, and not generally extensible beyond the user'scable or satellite set-top box. So, for example, the user would beprohibited from transferring streamed or downloaded content to theirWi-Fi enabled laptop or PC, since proper conditional access support(e.g., that associated with their host cable or satellite network) doesnot exist in these devices.

Therefore, improved apparatus and methods for distributing digitalservices between a user premises and PMD are needed. Such improvedapparatus and services would ideally provide users with the ability toaccess and playback content, as well as optionally control the PMD, froma second user device. For example, the user or subscriber would beprovided with a conversion apparatus wherein media (whether personal innature, data files, protected video content, or otherwise) from a PMD incommunication therewith would be easily and transparently available to asecond user device and subsequently any other media devices incommunication with the second user device, subject to any authenticationor other content protection or distribution restrictions.

Such unified access would also ideally allow for remote, centralizedmanagement and configuration, as well as ability to receive content fromthe user's premises devices at the PMD.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention addresses the foregoing needs by disclosing, interalia, apparatus and methods for managing programming content and datavia a substantially centralized apparatus capable of communication witha PMD.

In a first aspect of the invention, apparatus adapted to distributemedia content within a network is disclosed. In one embodiment, theapparatus comprises: a first interface adapted to communicate with afirst device, the first device capable of outputting or receiving mediacontent in a first format, a second interface adapted to communicatewith a second device, the second device capable of outputting orreceiving media content in a second format, at least one converterapparatus adapted to convert media content between the first format andthe second format, and at least one translator apparatus adapted totranslate one or more commands for controlling the manipulation of themedia content between a first protocol utilized by the first device anda second protocol utilized by the second device.

In one variant, the media content comprises digitally compressed videocontent. In another variant, the apparatus further comprises an IEEEStd. 802.3af PoE compliant power distribution apparatus adapted toprovide power at least to the first device.

In yet another variant, the first device comprises a portable mediadevice (PMD), the first format comprises an analog format, the seconddevice comprises a customer premises equipment (CPE), and the secondformat comprises a digital format. The PMD may comprise at least one of:a video player application, cellular telephony interface, or a musicplayer application. The first interface may be adapted to receive mediacontent from the first device in analog format, the converter apparatusmay be adapted to convert the media content from the analog format to adigital format, and the second interface may be adapted to transmit thedigital format media content to the second device. The first interfacemay comprise at least one of a composite output interface or a stereooutput interface, and the second interface may comprise an Ethernetinterface. The second device may further be associated with a premisesnetwork comprising a plurality of devices, the media content in thesecond format being made available to the plurality of devices via thesecond device. The second interface may be further adapted to receivefrom the second device one or more commands for controlling playback ofthe media content according to the first protocol, the first interfacemay be further adapted to transmit the commands according to the secondprotocol and may comprise a USB interface or a RS232 or an Ethernetinterface.

In another variant, the first and second formats comprise first andsecond digital encodings, and the converter comprises a processor havinga transcoding algorithm adapted to transcode one of the first and secondformats to the second and first formats, respectively. In yet anothervariant, the second device is further associated with a premises networkcomprising a plurality of devices storing a plurality of media contentthereon, individual ones of said plurality of media content being in thefirst format and received at the apparatus via the second device.

In a second embodiment, the apparatus comprises: a processor; an analogoutput interface in communication with a portable media device (PMD),the analog output interface adapted to at least receive analog contentfrom the PMD; an network interface in communication with a premisesdevice, the network interface adapted to deliver digital content to thepremises device; and at least one converter apparatus adapted to convertthe analog content received from the PMD to digital content fortransmission to the premises device.

In one variant, the network interface is further adapted to receivedigital content from the premises device, the converter is furtheradapted to convert the digital content received from the premises deviceinto analog content for transmission to the PMD, and the analog outputinterface is further adapted to deliver analog content to the PMD.

In another variant, the network interface is further adapted to receiveone or more commands according to a first protocol, the commands beingutilized to control playback of the delivered content, the processor isfurther adapted to transcode the commands from the first protocol to asecond protocol utilized by the PMD, and the apparatus further comprisesan interface for controlling the PMD using the second protocol.

In a second aspect of the invention, a system for the distribution ofmedia content is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system comprises: afirst device associated with a content distribution network and adaptedto utilize the media content in a first format; a second device adaptedto utilize the media content in a second format; and a bridgingapparatus. The bridging apparatus is adapted to: convert the mediacontent between the first and second formats; and deliver the mediacontent from one of the first or second devices to the other of thefirst or second devices in a format capable of being received thereon.

In one variant, the first device comprises consumer premises equipment(CPE), and the media content comprises content received from a contentsource within the content distribution network to which the CPE is incommunication. The CPE may comprise a coaxial cable interface toexchange the media content with other CPE within a premises served by alocal network formed at least in part by the coaxial cable.

In another variant, the second device comprises a portable media device(PMD), and the media content comprises digitally compressed contentstored thereon. In yet another variant, the bridging apparatus furthercomprises a storage entity adapted to store the media content from atleast one of the first and second devices, and the act of delivering thecontent comprises delivery from the storage entity.

In another variant, the bridging apparatus is further adapted to enablethe first device to utilize one or more trick mode operations inplayback of the media content from the second device.

In a third aspect of the invention, a method of distributing contentwithin a premises network via a bridge is disclosed. In one embodiment,the method comprises: establishing communication with a first device atthe bridge; accessing a list of content elements associated with thefirst device; creating a local directory structure comprising aplurality of records relating to the content elements; making the localdirectory structure accessible to a second device in communication withthe bridge, the second device selecting at least one of the plurality ofrecords; retrieving one of the content elements corresponding to theselected one of the plurality of records; converting the retrievedcontent element into a format suitable for transmission to the seconddevice; and transmitting the converted content element to the seconddevice.

In one variant, communication with the first device comprisescommunication via a first interface, and communication with the seconddevice comprises communication via a second and different interface.

In another variant, the content elements associated with the firstdevice comprises content stored thereon. In yet another variant, thecontent elements associated with the first device comprises contentstored on a third device in communication with the first device.

In another variant, the act of converting the content element comprisesdetermining at least one content format type that the second device iscapable of both receiving and utilizing. The act of determining maycomprise receiving a profile comprising one or more compatible formatsfrom the second device.

In yet another variant, the local entity comprises a database configuredto contain a plurality of links, the links enabling the bridge toretrieve the content elements corresponding with the records. The bridgemay further comprise a web server process, and the local directorystructure may further comprises a web page established by the webserver.

In another variant, the content element comprises an associated securitydata, the security data being used authenticate at least one of thefirst and second devices to the bridge before the content element can berendered or recorded by the first or said second device.

In a fourth aspect of the invention, a method of controlling playback ofmedia content is disclosed. In one embodiment, the content is disposedon a first device, and the control is effectuated according to one ormore commands received from a second device, and the method comprises:providing media content to the first device from the second device viaat least a content bridge; receiving at the content bridge the one ormore commands from the first device, the one or more commands beingassociated with one or more actions for controlling the use of the mediacontent, the first device transmitting the one or more commands in afirst protocol; translating the one or more commands from the firstprotocol to a second protocol, the second protocol comprising at least aprotocol utilized by the second device; and transmitting the translatedone or more commands to the second device, the second device executingthe one or more actions.

In one variant, the first device comprises a cable or satellite networkcustomer premises equipment (CPE), the first protocol comprisesUniversal Plug and Play (UPnP) protocol, the second devices comprises aportable media device (PMD), and the second protocol comprises aserialized accessory protocol.

In another variant, the commands are received via an Ethernet interface,and the translated commands are transmitted to the second device via anRS232 interface, and/or a USB interface.

In yet another variant, the first device comprises a portable mediadevice (PMD), the first protocol comprises a serialized accessoryprotocol, the second device comprises a customer premises equipment(CPE), and the second protocol comprises Universal Plug and Play (UPnP)protocol. The act of receiving the commands may comprise receiving atleast one of a 30-pin connector interface, and the act of transmittingthe translated commands to the second device comprises transmitting viaa MoCA or Ethernet interface.

In a fifth aspect of the invention, a method of doing business in acontent distribution network is disclosed. In one embodiment, the methodcomprises: providing a subscriber with an interface to the network overwhich content can be received; providing the subscriber with apparatusconfigured to bridge between the interface and a media device;delivering content to the subscriber via the interface as part of asubscription plan; storing content on the interface or a device in datacommunication therewith; and transferring at least a portion of thestored content to the media device via the apparatus.

In one variant, the method further comprises determining one or morerestrictions associated with the media device with respect to therecorded content and enforcing the restrictions as part of the act oftransferring.

In another variant, the method further comprises controlling theoperation of the media device via a user interface associated with theinterface.

In a sixth aspect of the invention, a software architecture isdisclosed. In one embodiment, the architecture comprises: a firstprocess disposed at a control area of a content distribution network;and a second process disposed on a media bridge apparatus within apremises served by the network. The first and second processes are incommunication, thereby allowing a variety of functions including forexample: (i) control of the media bridge by the first process; (ii)reconfiguration and update of the bridge by the first process; and (iii)download of conditional access data or packages to the media bridge.

In a seventh aspect of the invention, computer-readable apparatus isdisclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a storage mediumcomprising at least one computer program which, when executed, operatesa media bridge apparatus within a premises network so as to, inter alia,allow media content to be transferred between two different deviceenvironments (and optionally security domains).

These and other aspects of the invention shall become apparent whenconsidered in light of the disclosure provided herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating an exemplary HFC cablenetwork configuration useful with the present invention.

FIG. 1a is a functional block diagram illustrating one exemplary HFCcable network head-end configuration useful with the present invention.

FIG. 1b is a functional block diagram illustrating one exemplary localservice node configuration useful with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a content and data distributionnetwork configured in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary media bridgeapparatus configured in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a logical flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of themethod of providing content from a first device to a second device viathe exemplary media bridge apparatus of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is logical flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of the methodof controlling a first device from a second device via the exemplarymedia bridge apparatus of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a logical flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of themethod of providing content from a first device to a second device via aweb server associated with the exemplary media bridge apparatus of FIG.3.

FIG. 7 is graphical representation of one exemplary embodiment of asoftware architecture useful with the network of FIG. 2.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a premises(e.g., home) network in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 8a is a block diagram illustrating a second embodiment of apremises network in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a logical flow diagram illustrating a second embodiment of themethod of providing content from a first device to a second device viathe exemplary media bridge apparatus of FIG. 3.

FIG. 9a is a logical flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of themethod of converting content from a first format to a second formatcompatible with a receiving device utilizing the media bridge apparatusof FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is now made to the drawings wherein like numerals refer tolike parts throughout.

As used herein, the term “application” refers generally to a unit ofexecutable software that implements a certain functionality or theme.The themes of applications vary broadly across any number of disciplinesand functions (such as on-demand content management, e-commercetransactions, brokerage transactions, home entertainment, calculatoretc.), and one application may have more than one theme. The unit ofexecutable software generally runs in a predetermined environment; forexample, the unit could comprise a downloadable Java Xlet™ that runswithin the JavaTV™ environment.

As used herein the term “browser” refers to any computer program,application or module which provides network access capabilityincluding, without limitation, Internet browsers adapted for accessingone or more websites or URLs over the Internet, as well as any “useragent” including those adapted for visual, aural, or tactilecommunications.

As used herein, the terms “client device” and “end user device” include,but are not limited to, set-top boxes (e.g., DSTBs), personal computers(PCs), and minicomputers, whether desktop, laptop, or otherwise, andmobile devices such as handheld computers, PDAs, personal media devices,such as for example an iPod™, and smartphones.

As used herein, the term “codec” refers to an video, audio, or otherdata coding and/or decoding algorithm, process or apparatus including,without limitation, those of the MPEG (e.g., MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4,etc.), Real (Real Video, etc.), AC-3 (audio), DiVX, XViD/ViDX, WindowsMedia Video (e.g., WMV 7, 8, or 9), ATI Video codec, or VC-1 (SMPTEstandard 421M) families.

As used herein, the term “computer program” or “software” is meant toinclude any sequence or human or machine cognizable steps which performa function. Such program may be rendered in virtually any programminglanguage or environment including, for example, C/C++, Fortran, COBOL,PASCAL, assembly language, markup languages (e.g., HTML, SGML, XML,VoXML), and the like, as well as object-oriented environments such asthe Common Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA), Java™ (includingJ2ME, Java Beans, etc.) and the like.

As used herein, the term “conditional access” refers to any accesscontrol scheme, whether implemented in hardware, software, or firmware(or combinations thereof), including without limitation members of the“Powerkey” family (Powerkey Book 2, Powerkey Book 3, etc.), NDS(including VideoGuard, mVideoGuard, etc.), ANSI/SCTE Standard 52 2003(DVS-042), incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, andMotorola/General Instrument DigiCipher® family (DigiCipher II, etc.).These can be implemented using, for example, the so-called “CableCard”plug-in security module access technology, a downloadable CA system(DCAS), or otherwise.

The terms “Customer Premises Equipment (CPE)” and “host device” refer toany type of electronic equipment located within a customer's or user'spremises and connected to a network. The term “host device” refersgenerally to a terminal device that has access to digital televisioncontent via a satellite, cable, or terrestrial network. The host devicefunctionality may be integrated into a digital television (DTV) set. Theterm “customer premises equipment” (CPE) includes such electronicequipment such as set-top boxes (e.g., DSTBs), televisions, cable modems(CMs), embedded multimedia terminal adapters (eMTAs), whetherstand-alone or integrated with other devices, Digital Video Recorders(DVR), gateway storage devices (Furnace), and ITV Personal Computers.

As used herein, the term “display” means any type of device adapted todisplay information, including without limitation CRTs, LCDs, TFTs,plasma displays, LEDs, incandescent and fluorescent devices. Displaydevices may also include less dynamic devices such as, for example,printers, e-ink devices, and the like.

As used herein, the term “DVR” (digital video recorder) refers generallyto any type or recording mechanism and/or software environment wherebycontent sent over a network can be recorded and selectively recalled.Such DVR may be dedicated in nature, or part of a non-dedicated ormulti-function system.

As used herein, the term “DOCSIS” refers to any of the existing orplanned variants of the Data Over Cable Services InterfaceSpecification, including for example DOCSIS versions 1.0, 1.1, 2.0 and3.0. DOCSIS (version 1.0) is a standard and protocol for internet accessusing a “digital” cable network. DOCSIS 1.1 is interoperable with DOCSIS1.0, and has data rate and latency guarantees (VoIP), as well asimproved security compared to DOCSIS 1.0. DOCSIS 2.0 is interoperablewith 1.0 and 1.1, yet provides a wider upstream band (6.4 MHz), as wellas new modulation formats including TDMA and CDMA. It also providessymmetric services (30 Mbps upstream).

As used herein, the term “integrated circuit (IC)” refers to any type ofdevice having any level of integration (including without limitationVLSI, VLSI, and LSI) and irrespective of process or base materials(including, without limitation Si, SiGe, CMOS and GaAs). ICs mayinclude, for example, memory devices (e.g., DRAM, SRAM, DDRAM,EEPROM/Flash, ROM), digital processors, SoC devices, FPGAs, ASICs, ADCs,DACs, transceivers, memory controllers, and other devices, as well asany combinations thereof.

As used herein, the terms “Internet” and “internet” are usedinterchangeably to refer to inter-networks including, withoutlimitation, the Internet.

As used herein, the term “memory” includes any type of integratedcircuit or other storage device adapted for storing digital dataincluding, without limitation, ROM. PROM, EEPROM, DRAM, SDRAM, DDR/2SDRAM, EDO/FPMS, RLDRAM, SRAM, “flash” memory (e.g., NAND/NOR), andPSRAM.

As used herein, the terms “microprocessor” and “digital processor” aremeant generally to include all types of digital processing devicesincluding, without limitation, digital signal processors (DSPs), reducedinstruction set computers (RISC), general-purpose (CISC) processors,microprocessors, gate arrays (e.g., FPGAs), PLDs, reconfigurable computefabrics (RCFs), array processors, and application-specific integratedcircuits (ASICs). Such digital processors may be contained on a singleunitary IC die, or distributed across multiple components. As usedherein, the terms “MSO” or “multiple systems operator” refer to a cable,satellite, or terrestrial network provider having infrastructurerequired to deliver services including programming and data over thosemediums.

As used herein, the terms “network” and “bearer network” refer generallyto any type of telecommunications or data network including, withoutlimitation, hybrid fiber coax (HFC) networks, satellite networks, telconetworks, and data networks (including MANs, WANs, LANs, WLANs,internets, and intranets). Such networks or portions thereof may utilizeany one or more different topologies (e.g., ring, bus, star, loop,etc.), transmission media (e.g., wired/RF cable, RF wireless, millimeterwave, optical, etc.) and/or communications or networking protocols(e.g., SONET, DOCSIS, IEEE Std. 802.3, ATM, X.25, Frame Relay, 3GPP,3GPP2, WAP, SIP, UDP, FTP, RTP/RTCP, H.323, etc.).

As used herein, the term “network interface” refers to any signal ordata interface with a component or network including, withoutlimitation, those of the Firewire (e.g., FW400, FW800, etc.), USB (e.g.,USB2), Ethernet (e.g., 10/100, 10/100/1000 (Gigabit Ethernet), 10-Gig-E,etc.), MoCA, Serial ATA (e.g., SATA, e-SATA, SATAII), Ultra-ATA/DMA,Coaxsys (e.g., TVnet™), radio frequency tuner (e.g., in-band or OOB,cable modem, etc.), Wi-Fi (802.11a,b,g,n), Wi-MAX (802.16), PAN(802.15), or IrDA families.

As used herein, the terms “personal media device” and “PMD” refer to,without limitation, any device, whether portable or otherwise, capableof storing and/or rendering media.

As used herein, the term “server” refers to any computerized component,system or entity regardless of form which is adapted to provide data,files, applications, content, or other services to one or more otherdevices or entities on a computer network.

As used herein, the term “user interface” refers to, without limitation,any visual, graphical, tactile, audible, sensory, or other means ofproviding information to and/or receiving information from a user orother entity.

As used herein, the term “Wi-Fi” refers to, without limitation, any ofthe variants of IEEE-Std. 802.11 or related standards including 802.11a/b/g/n.

As used herein, the term “wireless” means any wireless signal, data,communication, or other interface including without limitation Wi-Fi,Bluetooth, 3G, HSDPA/HSUPA, TDMA, CDMA (e.g., IS-95A, WCDMA, etc.),FHSS, DSSS, GSM, PAN/802.15, Wi-MAX (802.16), 802.20, narrowband/FDMA,OFDM, PCS/DCS, analog cellular, CDPD, satellite systems, millimeter waveor microwave systems, acoustic, and infrared (i.e., IrDA).

Overview

In one salient aspect, the present invention comprises a media bridgingapparatus that, inter alia, acts as a connection between a portablemedia device (PMD) and a user's home network. This bridging apparatusmay be used, for example, to convert content stored on the PMD to aformat capable of being presented on a user's set-top box or otherclient device. Control of the presentation is also provided by thebridging apparatus. In one embodiment, the apparatus enables a user toaccess and control playback of media from a PMD via a user interfaceassociated with a television, personal computer or other user device.The apparatus may also enable content stored on the PMD to be copied andstored on a user's digital video recorder (DVR) or other storageapparatus, optionally while maintaining appropriate copyright anddigital rights management (DRM) requirements associated with the contentbeing manipulated.

The media bridging apparatus can also work within a premises network ortrusted domain for media content, thereby allowing a subscriber totalmobility in the premises network. For example, media content from thePMD may be accessed via extant networks for distribution to any STB, PC,mobile device, or other PMD.

The media bridging device may also utilize the existing premises network(including a network defined by coaxial cable in the premises, such as aMoCA-enabled network) to allow devices and DVRs to share media contentwith the PMD.

Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments

Exemplary embodiments of the apparatus and methods of the presentinvention are now described in detail. While these exemplary embodimentsare described in the context of the aforementioned hybrid fiber coax(HFC) cable system architecture having an multimedia specific operator(MSO), digital networking capability, and plurality of clientdevices/CPE, the general principles and advantages of the invention maybe extended to other types of networks and architectures, whetherbroadband, narrowband, wired or wireless, or otherwise, the followingtherefore being merely exemplary in nature.

It will also be appreciated that while described generally in thecontext of a consumer (i.e., home) end user domain, the presentinvention may be readily adapted to other types of environments (e.g.,commercial/enterprise, government/military, etc.) as well. Myriad otherapplications are possible.

Also, while certain aspects are described primarily in the context ofthe well-known Internet Protocol (described in, inter alia, RFC 791 and2460), it will be appreciated that the present invention may utilizeother types of protocols (and in fact bearer networks to include otherinternets and intranets) to implement the described functionality.

Network—

FIG. 1 illustrates a typical content-based network configuration withwhich the unified network apparatus and methods of the present inventionmay be used. The various components of the network 100 include (i) oneor more data and application origination points 102; (ii) one or morecontent sources 103, (iii) one or more application distribution servers104; (iv) one or more VOD servers 105, and (v) consumer premisesequipment (CPE) 106. The distribution server(s) 104, VOD servers 105 andCPE(s) 106 are connected via a bearer (e.g., HFC) network 101. A simplearchitecture comprising one of each of the aforementioned components102, 104, 105, 106 is shown in FIG. 1 for simplicity, although it willbe recognized that comparable architectures with multiple originationpoints, distribution servers, VOD servers, and/or CPE devices (as wellas different network topologies) may be utilized consistent with theinvention. For example, the head-end architecture of FIG. 1a (describedin greater detail below) may be used.

The data/application origination point 102 comprises any medium thatallows data and/or applications (such as a VOD-based or “Watch TV”application) to be transferred to a distribution server 104. This caninclude for example a third party data source, application vendorwebsite, CD-ROM, external network interface, mass storage device (e.g.,RAID system), etc. Such transference may be automatic, initiated uponthe occurrence of one or more specified events (such as the receipt of arequest packet or ACK), performed manually, or accomplished in anynumber of other modes readily recognized by those of ordinary skill.

The application distribution server 104 comprises a computer systemwhere such applications can enter the network system. Distributionservers are well known in the networking arts, and accordingly notdescribed further herein.

The VOD server 105 comprises a computer system where on-demand contentcan be received from one or more of the aforementioned data sources 102and enter the network system. These servers may generate the contentlocally, or alternatively act as a gateway or intermediary from adistant source.

The CPE 106 includes any equipment in the “customers' premises” (orother locations, whether local or remote to the distribution server 104)that can be accessed by a distribution server 104. Exemplary embodimentsof the “unified” CPE of the invention are described subsequently hereinwith respect to FIGS. 2 and 3.

Referring now to FIG. 1a , one exemplary embodiment of a head-endarchitecture useful with the present invention is described. As shown inFIG. 1a , the head-end architecture 150 comprises typical head-endcomponents and services including billing module 152, subscribermanagement system (SMS) and CPE configuration management module 154,cable-modem termination system (CMTS) and OOB system 156, as well asLAN(s) 158, 160 placing the various components in data communicationwith one another. It will be appreciated that while a bar or bus LANtopology is illustrated, any number of other arrangements as previouslyreferenced (e.g., ring, star, etc.) may be used consistent with theinvention. It will also be appreciated that the head-end configurationdepicted in FIG. 1a is high-level, conceptual architecture and that eachMSO may have multiple head-ends deployed using custom architectures.

The architecture 150 of FIG. 1a further includes amultiplexer/encrypter/modulator (MEM) 162 coupled to the HFC network 101adapted to “condition” content for transmission over the network. Thedistribution servers 104 are coupled to the LAN 160, which providesaccess to the MEM 162 and network 101 via one or more file servers 170.The VOD servers 105 are coupled to the LAN 160 as well, although otherarchitectures may be employed (such as for example where the VOD serversare associated with a core switching device such as an 802.3z GigabitEthernet device). As previously described, information is carried acrossmultiple channels. Thus, the head-end must be adapted to acquire theinformation for the carried channels from various sources. Typically,the channels being delivered from the head-end 150 to the CPE 106(“downstream”) are multiplexed together in the head-end and sent toneighborhood hubs (FIG. 1b ) via a variety of interposed networkcomponents.

Content (e.g., audio, video, etc.) is provided in each downstream(in-band) channel associated with the relevant service group. Tocommunicate with the head-end or intermediary node (e.g., hub server),the CPE 106 may use the out-of-band (OOB) or DOCSIS channels andassociated protocols. The OCAP 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 (and subsequent)specification provides for exemplary networking protocols bothdownstream and upstream, although the invention is in no way limited tothese approaches.

It will also be recognized that the multiple servers (broadcast, VOD, orotherwise) can be used, and disposed at two or more different locationsif desired, such as being part of different server “farms”. Thesemultiple servers can be used to feed one service group, or alternativelydifferent service groups. In a simple architecture, a single server isused to feed one or more service groups. In another variant, multipleservers located at the same location are used to feed one or moreservice groups. In yet another variant, multiple servers disposed atdifferent location are used to feed one or more service groups.

As shown in FIG. 1b , the network 101 of FIGS. 1 and 1 a comprises afiber/coax arrangement wherein the output of the MEM 162 of FIG. 1a istransferred to the optical domain (such as via an optical transceiver177 at the head-end or further downstream). The optical domain signalsare then distributed to a fiber node 178, which further distributes thesignals over a distribution network 180 to a plurality of localservicing nodes 182. This provides an effective 1:N expansion of thenetwork at the local service end.

Media Bridging Network—

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a premises network and associated elementsconfigured in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Asillustrated, a PMD 202 and CPE 106 are each coupled to the media contentbridge 200 of the present invention. Communication between the CPE 106and the media bridge 200 is via an Ethernet/GBE network compliant withIEEE Std. 802.3, although any number of other network protocols andtopologies could be used such as for example Wi-Fi (IEEE Std. 802.11),PAN (e.g., IEEE Std. 802.15), FireWire (IEEE Std. 1394), etc.

The CPE 106 is further coupled to the head-end 150 in the illustratedembodiment via the distribution network 101 (as discussed above). TheCPE 106 is also in communication via a wired or wireless interface(e.g., cabling, PAN or UWB micro-net, etc.) with a storage device 206and display device 208. As will be discussed in greater detail below,the exemplary CPE 106 may further be in signal communication with anynumber of different devices including, e.g., a Wi-Fi or otherwireless-enabled laptop, a PC, other storage entities, other CPE, etc.Moreover, a “premises LAN” (PLAN) may be created, which may include forexample the network formed over the installed coaxial cabling in thepremises, a Wi-Fi network, and so forth.

In one variant, the storage device 206 includes a writeable opticaldrive for writing media files to removable optical disks. So-called“CompactFlash™” or other media such as for example a flash-based USB keyor the like, may also be received within the storage device 206 (or aconnected reader/writer), so that e.g., music files, digital cameraimage data, etc. can be readily moved from device to device (or fromnetwork environment to other network environment).

In another variant, a personal video encoder (PVE) or comparable deviceis used as part of or is in communication with the CPE 106 (or anassociated client device coupled thereto). For example, the “Slingbox”device manufactured by Sling Media of San Mateo, Calif. is one suchexemplary device which is capable of enabling a user to watch TVprogramming from various locations via an Internet-connected PC orsimilar device. The device is generally connected between thesubscriber's cable/satellite video drop and DSTB, and has a TV tunerinside. The user tunes to a given channel, and the device encodes thevideo streamed over the cable/satellite in Windows Media or similarformat. The encoded content is streamed to a client application on aWindows XP-based or similar PC via an IP network such as the Internet,and hence the user can view the data locally (i.e., at the samepremises) or remotely so long as they have access to the IP distributionnetwork.

The CPE 106 provides the capability to transmit/deliver a plurality ofSD and HD video formats including, without limitation, MPEG-1, MPEG-2,MPEG-4, AVC/H.264, WMV, VC-1, AVI and Real. The CPE 106 also is capableof transmitting/delivering a plurality of audio formats including e.g.,MPEG-2 Audio, AC-3, AC-3+, AAC+, MP3, Real and WMA. A plurality of photoor image formats are also supported, including e.g., Graphic Image File(GIF), Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG), Bitmap (BMP) and TagImage File Format (TIFF). The CPE 106 can also signal real-timestreaming services that are available via the cable modem (e.g., DOCSIS)tuner resources, or an out-of-band (OOB) channel.

The CPE 106 is not required to contain a decoder for decodingaudio/video/media; however, it will be recognized that such decodercapability (as well as transcoding, e.g. decoding in a first format andthen encoding in a second format) and/or transrating capability (i.e.,processing so as to change bitrate, or establish a constant bitrateoutput) can be implemented within the CPE 106 if desired.

In one exemplary embodiment, the CPE 106 is compliant with OpenCable™Home Networking Architecture as disclosed in OpenCable™ SpecificationHome Networking Protocol 2.0 (OC-SP-HNP1.0401-080418 dated Apr. 18,2008), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Asdiscussed in the Networking Protocol 2.0 specification, a compliant CPE106 includes, inter alia, compatibility with the Digital Living NetworkAlliance (DLNA) requirements such as DLNA version 1.0 or the laterversion thereof. This capability allows, among other things, renderingof content in DLNA 1.5 format, and generating a content directory usingDLNA, as described in greater detail below.

The PMD 202 of FIG. 2 may comprise any portable/personal device, such asportable music players (e.g., MP3 players, iPods™, etc.), portable videoplayers, cameras, video recorders, smart phones, etc., which are coupledto the CPE 106 via any number of different interfaces. Music and othermedia files are transmitted to the CPE for use and viewing thereon viathe media bridge 200. Accordingly, the media bridge is adapted to bothphysically and logically interface with the PMD 202. The presentinvention also contemplates the use of different types ofphysical/logical interfaces, including a substantially universal andconverged interface (such as USB 2.0, USB 3.0, etc.), or alternatively,a plurality of discrete interfaces capable of receiving analog video andaudio from the PMD.

The CPE 106 exchanges digital signals with each of the devices it is incommunication with, including the media bridge 200. However, the PMD 202is, in many instances, adapted to output analog signals. Thus, the mediabridge 200 acts as a “converter” of sorts, converting from the analogoutput of the PMD 202 to the digital signals displayed to user via theCPE 106. In one embodiment, the media bridge 200 utilizes a UniversalPlug and Play (UPnP) AV media server to allow content such as music,videos and photos to be delivered to UPnP media rendering/recordingdevices in the home (CPE 106). Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) AV mediaserver requirements are described in detail in, inter alia,MediaServer:1 Device Template Version 1.01, dated Jun. 25, 2002 which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety; see also “UPnP™ DeviceArchitecture” Version 1.0, dated Jun. 8, 2000, also incorporated hereinby reference in its entirety. Content delivered to UPnP rendering anddecoding devices may optionally comprise personal or other media contentwhich does not require rights management (e.g., Digital RightsManagement (DRM)) or copy-protection.

Alternatively, “protected” or DRM content can be delivered with theappropriate security package to a rendering device that can receive andauthenticate the security package. In one variant, no rendering orrecording device is permitted to render or record protected contentwithout proper authentication to the media bridge 200 (i.e., to assurethat the UPnP or similar device is in fact authorized to receive thecontent). In another variant, the rendering device can be configured toauthenticate the source of the content (i.e., will only render or recordcontent from an authenticated source). For example, the apparatus andmethods described in co-owned U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/080,693 entitled “Method and apparatus for network content downloadand recording”, filed Mar. 14, 2005, and issued as U.S. Pat. No.8,028,322 on Sep. 27, 2011, incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety can be used to provide such functionality, although otherapproaches may be used as well.

Media Bridge Apparatus—

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of one embodiment of the media bridgingapparatus 200 shown in FIG. 2. The media bridge 200 provides a bridgingfunction to render the content stored on a PMD 202, and is adapted tocontrol the playback and “trick mode” (e.g., FF, REW, Pause, etc.)functions of playback of content stored on a PMD 202 via receipt of theanalog signals at the PMD interface 302 and processing at the processingsubsystem 304.

As illustrated, the exemplary media bridge 200 of FIG. 3 includes afirst interface 302 for connection to a PMD 202, a processing subsystem304, a converter 306 and an output (e.g., Ethernet or 1394) interface308. The media bridge 200 further comprises an RS232 driver and a powersource or distributor 310, although other connector schemes (e.g., 7pin, 30-pin, etc.) and drivers may be used for the PMD interface. Eachof the components of the media bridge 200 will be discussed in greaterdetail below.

In one embodiment, the power distributor 310 is an IEEE Std. 802.3af PoEcompliant apparatus (e.g., functioning as power sourcing equipment (PSE)or even a power device (PD) in some cases, depending on role of thebridge 200 and the interfaces in use). See IEEE Std. 802.3af (IEEE Std.802.3-2005 entitled “Information technology—Telecommunications andinformation exchange between systems—Local and metropolitan areanetworks—Specific requirements—Part 3: Carrier Sense Multiple Accesswith Collision Detection (CSMA/CD) access method and physical layerspecifications”), which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety. In another embodiment, the power distributor 310 is aUniversal Serial Bus (USB)-compliant power supply. Other powerdistribution apparatus may also be utilized consistent with the presentinvention.

In yet another embodiment, the media bridge 200 may additionallycomprise a storage entity (not shown) such as a random access memory(RAM), a hard disk drive, an optical drive (e.g., CD-ROM or DVD), NANDflash memory, or some combination thereof.

As indicated previously, the PMD 202 will typically have analog outputsbuilt into the system. Thus, audio and video data may be output as ananalog signal to another device via a stereo audio port and/or acomposite port. Accordingly, the media bridge 200 includes a stereoaudio input port and/or a composite port. The stereo audio portillustrated in FIG. 3 allows music and video audio to be received fromthe PMD 202. The video input port allows video (e.g., in the form ofcomposite video signals) to be retrieved from the PMD 202.

In another variant, the PMD 202 is configured to output digital data,and hence the bridge 200 includes a suitable digital interface forreceiving such data. Suitable interfaces include for example USB, Wi-Fi,FireWire, or any number of other adapted for digital data transfer andsignaling.

Some PMDs 202 also provide a controlling interface through RS232 and/orUSB. Thus, the media bridge 200 of the present invention comprises a PMDinterface 302 capable of controlling the PMD 202 via an RS232 and/or USBport (e.g., USB host/slave arrangement). The USB port may also beutilized to provide content to the PMD 202, as will be discussed below.The RS232 port is adapted to receive and transmit serial binary data orcontrol signals from the PMD 202. The media bridge further comprises anRS232 driver 212 which allows the processing subsystem to communicatewith the PMD 202. The RS232 port enables the media bridge to control thePMD 202, also discussed in greater detail below.

The ability of the media bridge 200 to receive signals received viaother ports or interfaces (e.g., wireless, high-speed serial data ports,etc.) is also appreciated given the present disclosure, and hence themedia bridge 200 is in no way limited to the interface componentspresented in FIG. 3 provided below.

The processing unit 304 and data converter 306 convert and processcontent received via the PMD interface (analog outputs) into a formatthat can be rendered by remote equipment (such as a users' CPE, STB, orother device). In one embodiment, a “flash” A/D converter of the typewell known in the electronic arts is used for analog-to-digitalconversion, although it will be appreciated that other approaches may beused with equal success. Moreover, as described below, the converter 306may also include D/A capability if desired.

The processing subsystem 304 performs a variety of functions includingcontrol of the PMD 202. In the exemplary embodiment, the processingsubsystem 304 is runs software which directly or indirectly controls thePMD 202 via the signal interface between the devices. As will bediscussed in greater detail below, the processing subsystem 304 may befurther adapted to operate the output interface (e.g., Ethernet or 1394)protocol stack, and to provide parameters to the data converter, orotherwise control the data converter. Software running on the processingsubsystem 304 may also operate the RS232 stack as disclosed below.Further, the processing subsystem 304 can perform USB devicediscovery/detection, control and bulk data transfer, as well as toperform security (e.g., authentication) protocols.

In the exemplary embodiment, the converter 306 performsanalog-to-digital conversions. In yet another embodiment, the converter306 may further perform analog to digital conversions as well or in thealternative, such as where the received media is rendered in an analogform, and is transmitted to the PMD 202 in digital format. The converter306 may also receive and implement one or more parameters from theprocessing subsystem 304. The converter 306 is may further receive andtransmit composite and stereo signals from PMD 202, as well as generatefrom the analog signals digital content (such as e.g., MP3, MP4, AAC,etc.). Software running on the converter 306 further enables theconverter 306 to output a content stream to the processing subsystem 304for transfer via the output interface 308.

The illustrated content bridge 200 can assume literally any form factor,including those adapted for desktop, or free-standing use, oralternatively may be integrated in whole or part (e.g., on a commonfunctional basis) with other devices if desired.

It will be recognized that while a linear or centralized busarchitecture is shown as the basis of the exemplary embodiment of FIG.3, other internal bus architectures and topologies may be used. Forexample, a distributed or multi-stage bus architecture may be employed.Similarly, a “fabric” or other mechanism (e.g., crossbar switch, RAPIDIOinterface, non-blocking matrix, TDMA or multiplexed system, etc.) may beused as the basis of at least some of the internal bus communicationswithin the device. Furthermore, many if not all of the foregoingfunctions may be integrated into one or more integrated circuit (IC)devices in the form of an ASIC or “system-on-a-chip” (SoC). Myriad otherarchitectures well known to those in the data processing and computerarts may accordingly be employed.

It will also be recognized that the particular media bridge 200configuration shown in FIG. 3 is for illustrative purposes, and variousother configurations of the bridge apparatus 200 are consistent with theinvention. For example, media bridge 200 may not include all of theelements shown in FIG. 3, and/or may include additional elements andinterfaces such as for example an interface for the HomePlug A/Vstandard which transmits digital data over power lines, specializednetworking or security processors, a PAN (e.g., 802.15), Bluetooth, orother short-range wireless interface for localized data communication, alonger range WLAN or Wi-MAX (IEEE Std. 802.16) interface, etc.

The output port 308 of the media bridge 200 in one embodiment comprisesa standard 10/100 Base T Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet (GBE), or a 10-Gig-Eport. The bridge device 200 may also utilize more than one of theaforementioned ports and/or interfaces, such as a USB, 1394, S-Video,HDMI, DisplayPort, or other output

In accordance with still another embodiment of the invention, the outputport 308 or other network interface provides auto-negotiationcapabilities (e.g., for connection data rate, and half- or full-duplex).The exemplary interface 308 also provides auto-MDI/MDIX. This automaticMDI/MDI-X feature provides the ability to automatically detect therequired cable connection type, and configure the media bridge 200properly to make use of the indigenous cable type. This featureeffectively allows all cables to be connected to the media bridge 200without any additional modification or external logic. In oneembodiment, the bridge apparatus 200 can identify the cable connectiontype, and adjust its MDI port parameters to the cable by switchingbetween the “twisted” and “straight” pairs of conductors on the cable.The auto switching function is typically accomplished prior to theauto-negotiation algorithm previously described, although otherconfigurations are possible (e.g., a ‘test-and-then-configure as needed”type approach). The bridge apparatus 200 can also optionally disableauto-negotiation and MDI/MDIX (whether automatically or under usercontrol such as via a GUI interface), and can be manually configured.

In another embodiment, the media bridge 200 includes a display or otheruser interface element capable of displaying one or more indications,including e.g., a LAN/WAN LED or other indicator, to show circuitactivity. A LAN—802.3 LED or other indicator to show link status and/oractivity on one or more of the Ethernet ports, as well as a LAN—802.11LED or indicator to show that the radio interface is enabled, and/orrelated activity thereon. Other LEDs or indicators may also be providedusing any number of schemes readily apparent to those of ordinary skill.Furthermore, a “soft” display (e.g., TFT or LCD display having softwaregenerated indications) may be used on the bridge device 200 (or a remotedevice in communication therewith, such as a wireless remote control) toprovide a flexible display environment. Moreover, the methods andapparatus of co-owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/773,664 filedFeb. 6, 2004 entitled “Methods And Apparatus For Display ElementManagement In An Information Network” and issued as U.S. Pat. No.9,213,538 on Dec. 15, 2015, incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety, may be used within the bridging device 200 or othercommunicating devices. Specifically, display elements such as GUIwindows or discrete indicators in a client device running multiplerelated or unrelated applications can be managed and controlled. In oneembodiment, an improved window management entity is provided within thedevice with which HAVi-compliant application(s) can interface in orderto access display elements according to a priority structure orhierarchy. One or more privileged applications are designated andallowed to affect the priority structure, including requesting a newin-focus application to be placed atop the priority structure. Thenetwork operator can also optionally control the operation of the windowmanager remotely via a network agent.

In one specific example, the media bridge 200 of the present inventionmay be utilized to provide interconnection between a PMD 202 and auser's set top box (STB). The CPE 106 may render content in DigitalLiving Networking Alliance (DLNA) standard 1.5 format which iscompatible with UPnP A/V. Accordingly, the analog signal from the PMD202 is formatted and converted to DLNA.

The processing subsystem 304 may also access the PMD 202 and read thecontent list or other directory structure stored thereon. The processingsubsystem 304 is adapted to, via software running thereon, build acontent directory (e.g., DLNA CDS) or a web interface, and provide thedirectory or interface to a CPE 106. From the CPE 106, the processingsubsystem 304 receives one or more user actions taken with respect tothe content. For example, the user may select one or more content fromthe PMD 202 for playback, may fast forward or rewind content, may createa playlist, may remove content from the PMD 202, etc. The actions orcommands discussed above may be inputted by a user via a remote control,keyboard, key pad, touch screen, speech recognition interface, etc.

The processing subsystem 304 directs retrieval and translation of theselected content in the protocol understood by the PMD 202. For example,where the PMD 202 comprises an MP3 or similar player such as an iPod™,the processing subsystem 304 will convert control functions receivedfrom the CPE 106 (such as fast forward, rewind, pause, etc.) into anappropriate protocol (e.g., iPod™ Accessory Serial Protocol). Theconverter 306 is responsible for encoding or encrypting content receivedfrom the PMD 202 (as composite and audio) to a format suitable fortransmission to a CPE 106 (e.g., MPEG2/4 over IP). The converter mayalso be adapted to adjust resolution of video content to 640×480 pixels,128×960 pixels, etc.

In another embodiment, the content bridge 200 has associated therewith aDVR or other recording and/or storage apparatus, which can be used tobackup or store personal content/media files. The media bridge 200 mayalso be configured to detect newly uploaded content, and/or changes madeto stored content, and make this new or upgraded content available tonetwork media rendering devices (e.g., CPE 106). This content “refresh”process can be event or occurrence driven (upon the occurrence of agiven event such as receipt of a user-initiated “update” or “refresh”operation), periodically (e.g., every X minutes), when new devices aredetected (such as new CPE 106 and/or new PMD 202 are connected via a PHYand logically detected), or according to any number of other differentschemes recognized by those of ordinary skill when provided the presentdisclosure.

The media bridge apparatus may also include a MoCA-compliant IC orchipset, such as the exemplary c.Link® EN 2510 device manufactured byEntropic Communications of San Diego, Calif., so as to facilitatenetworking of content (such as HD content) over coaxial cabling withinthe premises, as described in greater detail subsequently herein.

Referring now to FIG. 4, one embodiment of a method 400 of utilizing amedia bridge 200 such as that described above, to connect a PMD 202 to auser device, is illustrated and described.

Per step 402, a user connects the PMD 202 to the media bridge apparatus200. The user may accomplish such connection via the PMD interface 302,which as discussed above, may comprise any one of a plurality ofinterface types including those for media output and those for controlof the PMD 202. For the purposes of illustration in the present example,the PMD 202 interfaces with the media bridge 200 via at least the stereooutput and the RS232 connections running an Apple iPod™ Accessory SerialProtocol as illustrated in FIG. 3.

Per step 404, the processing subsystem 304, via the RS232 (or othercontrol interface) connection and RS232 driver 312, accesses a list ofcontent stored on the PMD 202. The media bridge 202 is adapted to, atstep 406, read the list and create a database or description of thecontent stored in the PMD 202. The database, in one embodiment, containslinks to the content by storing the media server location and a URL towhich that content belongs. The database is then published to a DLNAContent Directory (step 408).

At step 410, a CPE 106 connected to the media bridge 200 via the outputport 308 (or via a device which is in communication with the output port308 and which can interface with the CPE) is permitted access to theContent Directory for the connected PMD 202. Thus, in one embodiment,the media bridge 200 comprises an application containing the UPnPcontrol point and rendering module needed to enable the CPE to browseand display available content resident on the PMD.

Then, per step 412, the user may use a remote control or other userinterface/control device associated with the CPE (such as a key pad,touch screen, etc.) to select one or more of the content elements listedin the directory.

The user's selection is received at the processing subsystem 304, whichuses the aforementioned content links to retrieve the selected mediacontent at step 414. Retrieval of the selected content comprises in oneembodiment sending a properly formatted message to the PMD 202, via thecontrolling interface (e.g., RS232 running iPod™ Accessory SerialProtocol). The PMD 202 outputs the appropriate selection via a stereooutput to the converter 306 of the content bridge 200.

Per step 416, the retrieved content is translated at the converter 306(e.g., converted from analog to digital, or transcoded/transrated asrequired in digital variants), and provided to the processing subsystem304 for transport via the PHY associated with the output interface 308(e.g., Ethernet, 1394, Wi-Fi, etc.). In one embodiment, transmissionuses Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) or Real-time Transport Protocoland Real-time Streaming Protocol (RTP/RTSP) over the networkinginterface 308. RTSP allows a user to remotely control the media bridge200 (a streaming media server), to issue VCR-like commands such as“play” and “pause”, and to allow access to files on the PMD 202 via thebridge 200. The processing subsystem may perform other processingfunctions necessary to affect the playback of the content at the CPE,and, at step 418, transmits the converted and processed media content tothe CPE.

FIG. 5 is a logical flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method 500 ofutilizing a media bridge 200 to control the output of media content froma PMD 202. Per step 502, content is provided from the PMD 202 to a CPE106 via the media bridge 200. In one embodiment, the content is providedaccording to the method discussed above with respect to FIG. 4.

At step 504 of the method 500, the media bridge 200 receives at leastone command from the user entered at the CPE 106. For example, thecommand may comprise a fast forward, rewind, pause, etc. commandreceived via a user's remote control, keyboard, keypad, touch screen orother input apparatus. As noted previously, the CPE 106 can be madecompliant with OpenCable™ Home Networking Architecture as disclosed inOpenCable™ Specifications Home Networking Protocol 2.0(OC-SP-HNP1.0401-080418; Apr. 18, 2008), incorporated herein byreference in its entirety. Accordingly, commands from the CPE 106 forthe playback and trick mode functions of the content are received asUPnP A/V commands (such as play, fast forward, etc.).

Per step 506, the commands (such as the aforementioned UPnP A/Vcommands) are translated at the processing subsystem 304 to a formatunderstood by the PMD 202. The command is then transmitted (step 508) tothe PMD 202 where it is executed (step 510). In one embodiment, thecommands received from the CPE 106 are translated into iPod™ AccessorySerial Protocol commands at the processing subsystem 304 and, via theRS232 driver, are transmitted to the PMD 202. It will be appreciated,however, that the media bridge apparatus 200 may be adapted to alsotranslate into other PMD 202 device command protocols over RS232, USB,or other interfaces as well.

Web Server Embodiment—

In another embodiment of the invention, the processing subsystem 304 (orother dedicated processor; not shown) of the media bridge 200 isconfigured to run a server process (such as an HTTP server process),such as via an HTTP-based or other browser application. The web servercan, inter alia, display the list of files included on the mass storageunit 308, including the different media files, pictures, and/or music ordata files.

In one embodiment, the web server process running on the processingsubsystem 304 accepts requests from a user, such as from a userinterface associated with the CPE 106 (e.g., via HTTP or otherprotocol), or directly via a user interface of the bridge 200, if soconfigured. The web server process replies to the user requests bysending the requested data content which are encoded for a particularcodec or plug-in such as VLC, Windows Media, Real, or QuickTime. Asdiscussed above, the media bridge 200 is adapted in the presentembodiment to control the PMD 202 in order to effectuate such deliveryof the contents to the requesting entity. In yet another embodiment, theweb server may further enable a remote system to view the status of, andoptionally configure one or more parameters of, the media bridge 200.

Referring now to FIG. 6, an exemplary method 600 of utilizing a mediabridge 200 such as that described above, to connect a PMD 202 to a userdevice and provide content via a webserver is illustrated.

Per step 602, a user “connects” the PMD 202 to the media bridgeapparatus 200 via the PMD interface 302 (e.g., via cable, wireless PHY,or other means). At step 604, the processing subsystem 304, via theRS232 (and driver 312) or other control interface, accesses a list ofcontent stored on the PMD 202. The media bridge 200 includes anapplication which creates a webpage (e.g., HTML format) of the contentstored on the PMD 202 (step 606). The webpage created by the mediabridge 200 in one variant has controls and a media player embeddedtherein. For example, the webpage may include a VLC media player,Windows Media Player, Real player, or a QuickTime player.

The media bridge 202, at step 608, publishes the webpage to the CPE 106using a markup language such as HyperText Markup Language (HTML),Extensible Markup Language (XML). The CPE 106 in one variant displays aweb-based computer application GUI to perform content upload, render andmanagement operations on the CPE 106, and perform other such functions,although other software environments are contemplated as well. Thisweb-based user interface (UI) can be indigenous to the CPE, or deliveredto the CPE via the web server process running on the media bridge 200.In one embodiment, the media bridge 200 runs one or more applicationsadapted to identify whether one or more prerequisites needed to run theuser interface (which might include for example the JAVA RuntimeEnvironment, Microsoft.NET™ Framework 1.1, and or other applications)are satisfied. If these required applications are not available on thetarget CPE (e.g., PC), then the application will prompt the user, andoffer to load the prerequisites before loading the aforementioned userinterface. Once all prerequisites have been met, the web browser can belaunched, with the CPE 106 user interface enabling the user to view themedia content of the PMD 202.

The CPE 106 is able to access the webpage, and render the contents ofthe webpage (including a listing or other representation of the contentstored on the PMD 202) to a user at step 610. Per step 612, the userselects one or more of the listed content elements for playback ordisplay. The content is then retrieved from the PMD at step 614, andtransmitted to the CPE 106 at step 616. It will be appreciated that thecontent may be transmitted in its totality from the PMD to the recipientCPE 106 before playback or display on the latter, or alternativelystreamed or periodically buffered from the PMD during playback/displayof the selected content element(s).

For example, the display or playback of content that is provided to auser may be controlled at the CPE 106. In one exemplary embodiment,commands, such as fast forward, rewind, play, pause, etc., presented onthe media player of the webpage are accessible by the CPE 106. When auser at the CPE 106 accesses a command associated with the content, thecommand is translated to the appropriate command protocol for executionby the PMD 202. For example, the PMD 202 translates HTML actions(buttons for play, fast-forward, rewind, pause, etc.) into the mediadevice play, fwd, rwd, pause commands. Thus, a play button in an HTMLweb page is translated to the Accessory Serial Protocol play command.The commands may be translated to the aforementioned Accessory SerialProtocol or the literally any protocol that is compatible with the PMDsinternal protocols.

The exemplary bridge apparatus 200 may also be adapted to ensure thatthe CPE 106 used to access the web interface is properly configured withthe appropriate software to run the web application. This may includefor example the JAVA Runtime Environment and the UPnP control point andmedia rendering software. If the CPE 106 does not meet theserequirements, the web application may attempt to install the neededcomponents on the CPE 106, such as by obtaining them locally (i.e., theymay be stored as executables or the like on a mass storage deviceassociated with the media bridge 200 or the CPE itself), or requestingor retrieving them from a network entity (e.g., the head-end 150, or adedicated or third-party application server 104, or a designatedInternet URL or other network address). However, the CPE 106 can also beconfigured to warn users that additional software is needed, and will beloaded, or give the user the option to cancel the installation or obtainthe requisite software independently.

Software Architecture—

FIG. 7 illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a software architectureuseful with the media bridge 200 and other entities within the network.As shown in FIG. 7, the architecture comprises a configuration “server”process 702, which may be disposed for example at a head-end entity(such as the application server 104) if desired. By disposing the serverprocess 702 at the head-end (or network switching or distribution hub),the server process 702 can advantageously configure and provisionmultiple bridging apparatus 200 simultaneously.

A corresponding client process 704 is disposed on each bridge apparatus200; this client process allows the media bridge 200 to receive/sendinformation from/to the server process 702, for e.g., remoteconfiguration and provisioning of the apparatus 200, monitoring ofoperations, statistics, obtaining status information, updatingapplications running on the bridge 200, etc.

The client portion 704 may also be in logical communication with otherprocesses within the premises, such as for example the user interface(and configuration) process 706 running on the CPE 106. Client processes708 on other devices, such as a PMD 202 and CPE 106, can alsocommunicate with the client process 704 of the media bridge 200 in oneembodiment.

As previously noted, the media bridge 200 may also include various otherprocesses 710, such as a media server, web or HTTP server, and so forth.These can be used in a stand-alone fashion (e.g., where a PMD 202 in thepremises network merely accesses the media server in order to obtainstored personal content from the media bridge apparatus 200), or as alocal proxy for other distant servers (such as a remote third party webserver, MSO headend server, etc.).

The exemplary embodiment of the media bridge 200 of the inventionutilizes a Linux operating system, although it will be appreciated thatany number of different operating systems and software environments canbe utilized within the apparatus 200. For example, the well-known SunMicrosystems Java environment can be used consistent with one or morefunctions, as can the Qualcomm “BREW” (binary runtime environment).Myriad different software architectures will be appreciated by those ofordinary skill provided the present disclosure.

During operation of the media bridge 200, software is run on theprocessing subsystem 304. which controls the operation of the othercomponents of the system, and provides various other functions withinthe media bridge 200, including control of the PMD 202 via commandsinput at the CPE 106. In one embodiment, the system software/firmwaremay also be externally reprogrammed, such as using a download andreprogramming of the contents of the flash memory, replacement of fileson the storage device or within other non-volatile storage, etc.,thereby allowing for remote reprogramming or reconfiguration of themedia bridge 200 by the MSO or other network agent.

Premises Networking—

In yet another embodiment (illustrated at FIG. 8), the media bridge 200may also create a premises network 800 (such as a Local Area Network(LAN) utilizing the existing coaxial cable in a home). For example, anEthernet-over-coax based technology allows services to be delivered toother devices in the home utilizing a frequency outside (e.g., above)the traditional cable service delivery frequencies. See also the MoCA(Multimedia over Coax) alliance and MoCA Standard Versions 1.0 and 1.1,which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, whichdescribe OFDM-modulated radio frequency signals on the order of 1 GHzdelivered over extant coaxial cable systems. Accordingly, one embodimentof the invention uses frequencies on the order of 1150 MHz to deliverdata and applications to other devices in the home such as PCs, laptopcomputers, other PMD, media extenders, and set-top boxes. The coaxialnetwork is merely the PHY or bearer; devices on the network 800 utilizeEthernet or other comparable networking protocols over this bearer toeffectuate local area networking.

In one embodiment, the home network 800 is established according to theOpenCable™ Application Platform (OCAP) Specification: OCAP HomeNetworking Extension protocol (OC-SP-OCAP-HNEXT-I03-080418, dated Apr.18, 2008), incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Asdisclosed therein, content may be shared among a plurality of networkedCPE 106, including the media bridge 200 described herein. Accordingly,content from the PMD 202 may be shared among all the CPE 106 via anEthernet-over-coax topology, or another interface of the various CPE 106and the media bridge 200.

In the illustrated embodiment, the PMD 202 is adapted to share contentwith at least a PC 806, an STB 802 (e.g., digital set-top box or DSTB),and a DVR 804 via the media bridge 200. FIG. 8 further illustrates thatany of the CPE 106 in direct communication with the media bridge 200 mayalso be in communication with a plurality of other CPE 106 for sharingcontent thereto (such as, e.g., STB 802 a).

As noted previously, content from the PMD 202 may be stored on aninternal mass storage device or another connected device (e.g., RAID) ofthe bridge apparatus 200, or may be transmitted directly from storagewithin the PMD 202 to the requesting or target device. Content issecurely delivered to any viewing location in the premises network 800that shares a common security model via the various interfacesavailable, including e.g., Wi-Fi. 1394, and Ethernet. If the content isstored at the bridge apparatus 200, it will be available to the variousCPE 106 (such as STB 802, 802 a, PC 806 and/or DVR 804) on the network800 even after the PMD 202 has been disconnected.

In the present invention, the CPE 106 may be configured to include aMultimedia Over Coax Alliance (MoCA) retail compliant F-connector forproviding data over coaxial capability. The exemplary MoCA port operatesin the 1125-1525 MHz band, although other frequencies (MoCA compliant orotherwise) may be used for this purpose if desired. The MoCA connectormay be utilized to distribute content to all CPE 106 connected thereto,or may for communication to only certain CPE 106.

The exemplary MoCA interface, in one embodiment, supports a minimum of100 Mbps of effective data throughput, at 1364 byte or greater packetsize, up to 68 dB of attenuation, and minimum 60 Mbps of effective datathroughput at 1364 byte or greater packet size between 68 dB and 80 dB,although other performance capabilities may be used consistent with theinvention. The MoCA interface may also support a plurality of (e.g., 8or more) active nodes on the coaxial network 800.

As is well known to those of ordinary skill in the art, a CPE's 106 MoCAinterface can utilize coaxial cabling installed within a home to createan Ethernet or other network 800. Various CPE 106 (including PC 806, STB802, 802 a, and DVR 804), when placed in communication with the network800, will announce themselves to one another (or otherwise detect thepresence of the others). Once connected, the CPE on the network 800 canfreely exchange content with one another. The CPE 106 may, in oneembodiment, utilize UPnP A/V to access the content listed in other CPE106 directories. Hence, for example, the PC 806 of FIG. 8 may access thecontent directory of the DVR 804 if desired, and vice versa.

The exemplary MoCA interface (not shown) of the CPE 106 may be compliantwith the MoCA standard v1.0 (September 2005) or v1.1 (May 2007)previously referenced herein. The MoCA interface in this case has amaximum physical layer latency of 5 ms, and its transmitter may notexceed +3 dBm (58.1 dBmV). In one variant, the interface operates overstandard 75 Ohm RG-59 and RG-6 coax, and can be selectively disabled ifdesired.

In one embodiment, the CPE 106 which comprises the MoCA interface andperforms networking functions for the media bridge apparatus 200.Content from a PMD 202 is made available to a first CPE 106 via thebridge apparatus 200; the CPE 106 can then, via the MoCA interface,introduce the content to the home network 800 (such as over the Ethernettopology discussed above). In an alternative embodiment (FIG. 8a ), MoCAcapability is incorporated directly into a media bridge apparatus 200(such as via the Entropic chipset previously described or other IC).

The exemplary media bridge 200 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 may also act as aWi-Fi node or access point (AP), thereby allowing Wi-Fi enabled devicessuch as smartphones or laptop computers to connect to the premisesnetwork 800 and access media content from other devices (e.g., PMD 202)also present on the network 800. It will be recognized, however, thatthe media bridge 200 may also act as a slave or station (STA) within anad hoc or other Wi-Fi network, such as where another device on thepremises acts as the AP. The media bridge 200 can include this Wi-Ficapability in a dedicated radio suite (e.g., one or more ICs or ASICs),as part of a larger SoC device, as a Wi-Fi card, or even as an externaldevice in data communication with the bridge apparatus 200 or otherassociated device (e.g., plugged into an external slot or port of themedia bridge 200, such as a USB or 1394 interface).

The Wi-Fi interface may further provide Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP),Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) and/or WPA2 encryption services of the typewell known in the art on one or more wireless connections. The interfacealso may support other protocols, such as the Extensible AuthenticationProtoctol (EAP)/802.1x Std. for authentication (e.g., using a RADIUSserver or the like). Similarly, the media bridge apparatus 200 can beconfigured for other types of secure network or tunneling capabilities,such as the Wireless Transport Layer Security (WTLS) layer in a WirelessApplication Protocol (WAP) stack (e.g., where the apparatus 200 acts asa WAP gateway or proxy), or virtual private networking (VPN). MediaAccess Control (MAC)-level filtering may also be utilized.

In one embodiment, the Wi-Fi interface provides service oversubstantially all of the premises where it is used; however, otherschemes for providing additional coverage can be used as well (such as“daisy-chaining” APs together, etc.). The interface's operating channelis set automatically by scanning for a free channel and initializing theaccess point on that channel.

Accordingly, PC 806, STB 802, 802 a, and DVR 804 are adapted to, via themedia bridge 200: (i) receive content from the hard drive or massstorage associated with the media bridge 200; (ii) receive contentdirectly from a connected PMD 202, and/or (iii) receive content storedat any of the other of PC 806, STB 802, 802 a, and DVR 804 of thenetwork 800. Thus, video and/or audio content may be played back atvarious locations throughout the premises. These other locations may bein direct or indirect communication with the bridge apparatus 200; e.g.,connected to or communicating with the bridge 200 directly, orcommunicating via the another CPE 106 (such as STB 802 a connected viaSTB 802).

In one embodiment, the media bridge 200 can automatically discover allDLNA-capable clients (e.g., CPE 106) during boot up or other events, andpresent the available content from the PMD 202 content directory (DLNACDS) to them. The bridge apparatus 200 may also be adapted toautomatically start a DLNA-compatible media server (which has a UPnPContent Directory Service) at boot using only the aforementionedEthernet, MoCA and/or Wi-Fi network interfaces. The bridge apparatus 200reads the content directory from the media device (such as e.g., readingall the content over the Accessory Serial Protocol), and builds a localdatabase of that content. The bridge apparatus 200 then publishes thecontent to its digital media server, in order for any digital mediaplayer to see the content. Once specific content is selected by a mediaplayer for playback, the bridge apparatus 200 controls the attachedmedia device to playback the content over the audio or video port. Thebridge apparatus 200 would then encode/transcode the content and have itflow over UPnP AV as per DLNA to the DMP in a DLNA defined Media Format.

In yet another embodiment, the media bridge 200 may act as aquality-of-service (QOS) policy enforcement point in the premisesnetwork 800. For example, the apparatus 200 may receive and honor policyenforcement configuration files from the head-end 150 or otherprovisioning system. An IEEE Std. 802.1p tag or similar mechanism can beused to identify QOS priority. For example, a “priority 1” tag can beinserted for streaming video, while a “priority 2” tag can be insertedfor VoIP data, a tag of “priority 3” for audio-only services, a tag of“priority 4” for all other services, and so forth. Other schemes (whichmay even be dynamic in nature based on, e.g., user preferences,management entity provisioning, etc.) may also be used consistent withthe invention. The bridge apparatus 200 can configure the MoCA, Ethernetand other relevant interfaces to recognize and utilize the data of thesedefined priorities in the proper or specified order. For instance, inone variant, the user can specify which of the different mediatypes/delivery paradigms is most important, or rank them, such that userexperience is optimized when receiving appropriately encoded or taggeddata.

The media bridge apparatus 200 may further provide a mechanism toidentify new CPE 106 on the network 800, and grant or deny content froma PMD 202 thereto based on, e.g. conditional access privileges orbusiness rules. This may or may not extend to the directory service onthe PMD; i.e., a CPE may be able to view the PMD directory contents orlisting, but not access the actual content or media files ortransfer/copy them.

In another embodiment, the media bridge 200 has associated therewith aDVR or other recording and/or storage apparatus which can be used tobackup or store personal content, media, or data files. This device maybe external to the bridge 200, or incorporated within the form factorthereof (including for example removable media). The media bridge 200may also be configured to detect newly uploaded content, and/or changesmade to stored content, and make this new or upgraded content availableto network media rendering devices (e.g., CPE 106). This content“refresh” process can be event- or occurrence-driven (e.g., upon theoccurrence of a given event such as receipt of a user-initiated “update”or “refresh” operation), invoked periodically (e.g., every X minutes),when new devices are detected (such as new CPE 106 and/or new PMD 202),or according to any number of other different schemes.

It is further appreciated that other options may be available to a user,such as inter alia, creating a playlist of content. In other words, themedia bridge 200 may comprise necessary storage and functionality toallow a user to select (via e.g., a user interface in communication withthe user's CPE 106, or of the bridge 200 itself) several of the contentelements available on the PMD 202 for playback in a particular order, ata particular time, or according to a particular scheme (e.g.,randomized, according to genre, artist, etc.). Other functions such asallowing a user to sort through content on the PMD 202 by artist, genre,etc. may also be provided.

In yet another embodiment, data may be stored at a storage entityassociated with the CPE 106 (e.g., DVR, or other mass data storageunit), or even on a client device or network agent in communication withthe CPE 106, for later use by a user. For example, MP3 music contentfrom a connected PMD 202 may be retrieved via the PMD or bridge 200 and“pushed” via the media bridge to the CPE 106, wherein the MP3 music isstored on the mass storage device (e.g., HDD) associated therewith.Similarly, video data from a connected PMD 202 might be retrieved and,via the media bridge 202, streamed from the PMD 202 to the CPE 106 forstorage thereon (or distribution via yet another interface, such as viaan Ethernet, 1394, or other interface to the user's connected PC or viaWi-Fi interface to their laptop). Myriad different movements (e.g., pushor pull of files, streaming, etc.) of myriad different types of data(video, audio, data or application files, etc.), can be accomplishedusing the media bridge 200, and herein lies one of its salientadvantages; i.e., the ability to act as a substantially universal “hub”for moving (and transcoding, transrating, encrypting/decrypting,compressing, formatting, etc.) data between various different hardwareand software environments.

Content Provisioning—

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the media bridge 200 isadapted to provide media content to a PMD 202 from the various CPE 106in communication therewith. The media bridge 200 advantageouslyleverages the extant ability of the PMD 202 to receive content from anexternal source to allow the PMD to ingest content from CPE 106 (e.g.,DVRs or other such devices) in the home via the previously describedEthernet-over-coaxial or other interface of the bridge 200.

The media bridge 200 interfaces to the CPE 106 via the network (e.g.,Ethernet) interface 308. In the exemplary embodiment, the bridgeapparatus 200 implements all protocols required to access content on theCPE 106, including implementation of Digital Transmission ContentProtection (DTCP) over Internet Protocol (IP) link protection. Thebridge apparatus 200 receives a stream of content from the CPE 106(e.g., from a mass storage device thereof), and transcodes the contentinto a format understood by the PMD 202. The present invention may beutilized with various types of PMD 202, thus the bridge 200 must beadapted to convert the content into various content formats including,inter alia, AVC, H.264, MPEG2, etc. In one embodiment, content isreceived from the sourcing CPE 106 in MPEG2 or MPEG4 encoded format, andtranslated to a format suitable for the PMD 202 if required (e.g., toAVC or H.264, Windows Media Player, Real, etc.). The bitstream may alsobe transrated if required (e.g., for streaming media).

One embodiment of the exemplary method 900 for content provisioning ofthe present invention is given in FIG. 9. As illustrated, per step 902,a PMD 202 is first “connected” to the media bridge apparatus 200 (suchconnection which may be wired or wireless in nature, depending on theinterface between the PMD and bridge being utilized). Upon connection,the bridging apparatus 200 determines the type of PMD 202 connected (viathe aforementioned methods), and immediately notes the content format(s)that the PMD 202 is capable of receiving. In order to determine theformats a PMD 202 is capable of receiving, the bridge apparatus 200builds a media player database including capability information. It isfurther appreciated that a UPnP device may advertise its playercapabilities including resolution and video decoding capabilities. Inthis instance, the bridge apparatus 200 can easily determine whichtranscoder to use for each targeted device.

Per step 904, the bridge 200 accesses content lists from each (or asubset) of the CPE 106 connected thereto, including those connectedindirectly via the premises network 800. The bridge 200 uses informationin the content lists to create a database (or webpage) of the contents(step 906). In one embodiment, the processing subsystem 304 on thebridge may be adapted to review the contents of the various CPE 106 forduplicates, and ensure that the database (or webpage) is not redundant.The processing subsystem 304 may be further adapted to sort the databaseby content type (e.g., music content, video content, data content, etc.)or other parameter(s) so as to provide an abbreviated or particularlyconfigured list to the PMD user.

It is further appreciated that the web server of the media bridge 200(where present) may be accessed from a remote device (e.g., a PC withInternet or other connectivity to the web server process of the bridge)in order for a user of that remote device to view the contents of theCPE 106 connected thereto (including the contents of several CPE 106 ina premises network 800). A user at the remote device may then selectindividual ones of the content elements, and direct the media bridge 200to “download” that content to a PMD 202 connected thereto.

The media bridge 200 may further be adapted to discover CPE 106 withinthe premises network 800 via the Ethernet-over-coax or similarcapabilities previously discussed. The bridge 200 may then generate aresource map table including tuners, disk drives and status, to be usedwhen creating the aforementioned database (or webpage), and ingestingcontent from (and streaming content to) the PMD 202.

At step 908, the PMD 202 accesses the database (or webpage) and at step910, selects one or more content items therefrom. Per step 912, theselected content is retrieved by the media bridge.

FIG. 9a illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the method 920 by whichcontent is retrieved from the CPE 106 by the bridge 200 and provided toa PMD 202. Media content arrives at the CPE 106 from the cable orsatellite head-end 150 encrypted according to an MSO Conditional Access(CA) scheme such as Powerkey, etc. The CPE 106 decrypts the CA protectedcontent, and re-encrypts the content with a Proprietary ContentProtection (PCP) scheme (i.e., manufacturer encryption) for recordationand playback on the CPE 106. Per step 922, processing subsystem 304 ofthe media bridge 200 requests the downloaded and recorded content fromthe CPE 106 via the network interface 308. Alternatively, the CPE 106storing the recorded content may comprise a CPE 106 not directlyconnected to the media bridge 200 (such as STB 802 a of FIG. 8). In thisinstance, the content is requested from the media bridge 200 across thepremises network 800.

Upon receipt of the request, the CPE 106 then, per step 924, decryptsthe content encrypted using the PCP encryption scheme, and re-encryptsthe decrypted content with an approved OpenCable™ Home Network ContentProtection (OCCP) or other desired format.

At step 926, the OCCP (re)encrypted content is then transmitted to themedia bridge apparatus 200. The bridge 200 decrypts the content at step928. The media bridge 200 is adapted to read and respect the copyprotection data of the content (e.g., protection bits as indicated inthe DTCP over IP copy protection field as set forth in the OpenCable™Specification—Home Networking Security Specification(OC-SP-HN-SEC-D01-081027 dated Oct. 27, 2008, incorporated herein byreference in its entirety)). In other words, the illustrated embodimentof the media bridge 200 determines whether the content may merely beplayed back on the PMD 202, or whether it may be stored thereon(recorded, e.g., only if the copy protection of the content is marked as“copy freely” or “copy one generation”).

At step 930, the media bridge 200 converts the content to a formatsuitable for transmission and storage on the PMD 202 (if required). Asdiscussed above, the apparatus 200 has previously determined the type ofPMD 202 connected (or at least its capabilities with respect to media),and thus makes a decision regarding the suitable format based on the PMD202 type. For example, where the PMD 202 comprises an MP3 player,content is converted from MPEG 2/4 (received from the CPE 106) to MPEG 1Audio Layer 3 (MP3) for playback and/or storage on the PMD 202. Lastly,per step 932, the converted content is sent to the PMD 202 for playbackand/or storage.

In yet another embodiment, the media bridge 200 is configured to store aplurality of PMD profiles therein. In one variant, one or more profilesare placed therein at the time of manufacture. Alternatively, theprocessing subsystem 304 may download a device profile from the PMD 202when it is connected thereto. The profile contains information relatedto the media formats operable on the device. For example, when a userconnects a Zune device to the media bridge 200, the device may indicateto the media bridge 200 that it may only receive content rendered inWindows Media format. The media bridge 200 then uses the profile todetermine translation/transcoding of content to be sent to the PMD 202.The bridge can also learn from the various devices it is connected to;i.e., collect device-specific profiles and assemble a library ordatabase of such profiles for future use. For instance, one embodimentof the bridge is configured to remember specific user PMD or deviceprofiles (e.g., Joe's iPod), and utilize these profiles subsequent tofirst acquiring them, in order to determine mediaencoding/transrating/security requirements and permissions.Alternatively, platform-specific and user-generic profiles or templates(e.g., an iPod, irrespective of ownership or specific configuration) canbe used by the bridge 200.

The media bridge 200 may further be adapted to enable the PMD 202 tocontrol the playback of content received from the CPE 106. That is tosay, in instances where content is merely played back or streamed (andnot fixedly stored on the PMD 202), the PMD 202 user may input one ormore commands with respect to the content playback which are executed bythe CPE 106 via the media bridge 200. The method by which the CPE 106 iscontrolled is similar to the method of FIG. 5 for controlling the PMD202 by the CPE 106 via the bridge 200. Specifically, one or morecommands relating to the playback (e.g., pause, fast forward, rewind,etc.) are received at the media bridge 200 from the PMD 202. In oneexemplary embodiment, the PMD 202 comprises an iPod™, and the CPE 106comprises a digital set-top box or DVR; commands are received at thebridge apparatus 200 in the aforementioned Accessory Serial Protocol,and translated by the bridge to UPnP commands. The translated commandsare then transmitted to the CPE 106 (which is adapted to receive andexecute UPnP commands), and executed thereon to effectuate the desiredfunction. Alternatively, where the control protocols used by the PDM andthe sourcing CPE are compatible, the PMD commands can simply be passedthrough the bridge 200 to the CPE directly for execution thereby.

Trusted Domain—

It will further be recognized that the present invention can be used inconjunction with a so-called “trusted domain” for content and other dataprotection if desired. Exemplary trusted domain apparatus (and methods)are described in co-owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/006,404filed Dec. 7, 2004, entitled “Technique For Securely CommunicatingProgramming Content” and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,312,267 Nov. 13,2012, as well as co-owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/894,884filed on Jul. 20, 2004 entitled “Technique For Securely CommunicatingAnd Storing Programming Material In A Trusted Domain” and issued as U.S.Pat. No. 8,266,429 on Sep. 11, 2012, each of the foregoing beingincorporated herein by reference in its entirety, although otherapproaches may be used consistent with the present invention. Theseapplications disclose, inter alia, a multi-layered rights arrangement toprevent unauthorized use and transfer of protected content, especiallyin a premises network 800. For example, the network 800 may beconsidered to comprise multiple layers. One such layer may be a “trusteddomain,” described in aforementioned U.S. application Ser. No.10/894,884. For example, in a cable TV system, the trusted domain mightinclude not only the system portion where programming contenttraditionally is secured by (and within total control of) a cableoperator, including, e.g., the head-end, delivery network, etc., butalso user devices, e.g., DSTBs or other CPE, at subscribers' premiseswhich are capable of receiving and securely storing programming contentin a prescribed manner. The cable operator can control certainsubscriber access and usage with respect to content held within thetrusted domain. For example, movie content held within a cableoperator's trusted domain (e.g., on a hard drive of an STB or CPE)cannot be distributed over the Internet in viewable form, and cannotbecome a source for duplication of multiple viewable copies.

A second layer of the network may be defined as being outside thetrusted domain. A device in the second layer is assigned an indicatorindicating an extent of security of the device. For example, when thedevice in the second layer requests transfer of protected content from adevice in the first layer, the first layer device authenticates thesecond layer device to determine legitimacy of the device for receivingthe protected content. After the second layer device is authenticated,the first layer device transfers not only the protected content, butalso a set of rules associated with the protected content. At least someof the rules in the set are associated with the indicator and applicableto the second layer device with respect to use of the protected content.

The foregoing disclosures broadly encompass the concept of themulti-layered rights arrangement including the trusted domain forpreventing unauthorized use of protected content. It will therefore beappreciated that the present invention is not limited to use of specificdevices in the arrangement. For example, the invention may also apply toa host device connected to a CableCARD module, jointly realizing thefunctionalities of a DVR STB or CPE. In one implementation, a CPE 106has programming content, which is encrypted, stored in storage therein.The media bridge 200 receives a request from the PMD 202 for accessingthe programming content. The request includes a data package stored inassociation with the encrypted programming content in the storage. Inresponse to the request, the media bridge 202 determines that the PMD202 is allowed to access the programming content based on information(e.g., usage rights information) in the first data package. The bridge202 may then provide the CPE 106 at least data concerning acryptographic element (e.g., an encryption key) for decrypting theencrypted programming content in the storage, thereby providing the PMD202 with access to the programming content.

So-called “DCAS” systems (downloadable conditional access systems) mayalso be used consistent with the invention in order to define/enforcetrusted domains within the network 800. See, e.g., the exemplary DCASapparatus and methods described in co-owned U.S. patent application Ser.No. 11/584,208 entitled “DOWNLOADABLE SECURITY AND PROTECTION METHODSAND APPARATUS” filed Oct. 20, 2006 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,520,850on Aug. 27, 2013, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The media bridge 200 may also contain a secure microprocessor (e.g.,security processor; not shown) which supports the trusted domain (suchas, e.g., the Time Warner Cable Authorized Service Domain (ASD)). Thebridge 200 can transfer content from the Authorized Service Domain (ASD)to the DRM license domain for content viewed on the various CPE 106 andPMD 202. One exemplary ASD configuration useful with the presentinvention is described in co-owned U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/592,054 entitled “Methods and Apparatus for Premises ContentDistribution” filed Nov. 1, 2006 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,732,854on May 20, 2014, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The bridge apparatus 200 may also provide translation from differentencryption environments if required, such as from 3DES to the AEScipher.

The media bridge 200 may also be configured to receive and storesecurity packages associated with encrypted content from PMD 202. Themedia bridge 200 delivers these security packages (and content) to theCPE 106 in the premises for playback. For example, encrypted content andsecurity packages stored at the PMD 202 may, via the media bridge 200 bedelivered to STB 802 a. The media bridge 200 can also stream content orother data retrieved from the PMD 202 and stored on a local storagedevice (not shown) to the CPE 106 of the network 800. The media bridge200 can also stream content to multiple CPE 106 simultaneously from asingle instance of the UPnP AV server, and supports Internet GroupManagement Protocol (IGMP) “snooping”. The bridge apparatus 200 may alsobe configured to be resistant/resilient to denial of service attacks onall WAN and HLAN interfaces.

Business/Operational Rules Engine—

In another aspect of the invention, a processing entity (e.g., renderedas one or more computer programs disposed on a head-end server or entity(e.g., VOD server/SRM), at the media bridge 200, or other location)includes a so-called “rules” engine. This engine comprises, in anexemplary embodiment, one or more software routines adapted to controlthe operation of the media bridge 200 (and in some cases devicesconnected thereto, such as the PMD or premises network CPE) in order toachieve one or more goals relating to operations or business (e.g.,profit). Included within these areas are network optimization andreliability goals, increased maintenance intervals, increased subscriberor user satisfaction, increased subscription base, higher profit (e.g.,from increased advertising revenues), more subscriber “views” of givencontent, broader distribution of content (including to mobile devicesthat would not otherwise be served by the network), and so forth.

These rules may comprise a separate entity or process, and may also befully integrated within other processing entities (such as theaforementioned media bridge web application), and controlled via e.g., aGUI on a PC 806 connected to the media bridge 200 or server, or a remotenode such as one disposed at the headend 150 of the distribution network(see FIG. 7). In effect, the rules engine comprises a supervisory entitywhich monitors and selectively controls the media bridge 200 (andoptionally premises network 800) operation processes at a higher level,so as to implement desired operational or business rules. The rulesengine can be considered an overlay of sorts to the more fundamentalalgorithms used to accomplish required network operation, such as IPaddress assignment, and so forth.

For example, the network or media bridge 200 may invoke certainoperational protocols or decision processes based on, direct or indirectuser inputs to the bridge (e.g., via the bridge's UI if so equipped, orfrom a connected CPE 106), conditions existing within the network 800,demographic data, geographic data, etc. However, these processes may notalways be compatible with higher level business or operational goals,such as maximizing profit or system reliability. Hence, when imposed,the business/operational rules can be used to dynamically (or manually)control the operation of the client process on the media bridge 200 orother devices within the premises (such as CPE 106 and/or PMD 202). Therules may be, e.g., operational or business-oriented in nature, and mayalso be applied selectively in terms of time of day, duration, specificlocal areas, or even at the individual user level (e.g., via specificidentification of the CPE 106 or PMD 202 via TUNER_ID, MAC address, orthe like).

For example, one rule implemented by the rules engine may comprise onlyproviding certain types or formats of programming to certain subscribersor classes of subscribers. For example, a particular CPE 106 may possessan MPEG-4 or H.264 decoder; however programs rendered in MPEG-4 encodingmay not be made available to the subscriber from the media bridge 200unless the subscriber meets certain criteria (e.g., “premium”subscription, etc.). Similarly, if the subscriber did not possess arequired codec, CA keys, or network interface of sufficient bandwidth,the enablement of such capability (such as via download of a missingcodec or CA component) could be controlled to only subscribers meetingcertain criteria.

The present invention also advantageously lends itself to variousbusiness models in terms of distribution, operation, and serviceprovision. Specifically, by having remote monitoring, configuration andprovisioning capability, the service provider (e.g., MSO) is givengreater flexibility in, inter alia, (i) troubleshooting and repairingfaults within the media bridge 200, PMD 202, CPE 106 or other connectedpremises devices which may otherwise require a service visit; (ii)changing or reconfiguring a given subscriber's service package orcapabilities remotely, again obviating a service visit or actions by thesubscriber; and (iii) extending the “reach” of content provided by theMSO within the user's premises, and the flexibility afforded the user tomove content around between different devices they possess. For example,as previously described, any of the interfaces on the bridge apparatus200 can be selectively enabled or disabled remotely, thereby allowingthe MSO to rapidly switch service options on a per-subscriber (perpremises) basis. Using DCAS or other technology, the bridge apparatus200 can also be reconfigured as a trusted domain for protected contentreceived over the cable or satellite receiver (tuner). New versions orupgrades of software/firmware can readily be downloaded and installed aswell. UPnP or other server processes on the bridge apparatus 200 can beconfigured using the remote provisioning capability also.

Hence, one variant of the business methodology of the inventioncontemplates delivery of substantially similar hardware/firmwareenvironments to all subscribers, with each subscriber being able totailor the capabilities of their individual apparatus 200 (with, e.g.,assistance or under control of the MSO) for their particular needs andpremises. For example, some users may simply not want Wi-Fi capability;hence, this interface could be disabled by the MSO; others may not haveinstalled coaxial cabling for establishing a cable premises network 800,and hence the MoCA interface could be disabled or simply not used.Others may have local recording devices (e.g., DVR or the like) whichmay require configuration of the trusted domain to extend to thesedevices to permit subscriber purchase and in-home “burning” of contentaccording to the methods previously discussed herein with respect toU.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/080,693. Configuration of the bridge200 may also be optimized based on the type(s) of PMD 202 usedtherewith; e.g., the bridge may be different with respect to protocols,capabilities, features, etc. for a subscriber with a Zune versus aniPod. As can be appreciated, literally an unlimited number of differentpremises/subscriber-specific configurations may be employed consistentwith the aforementioned embodiments of the invention, and hence it istypically more economical and efficient to allow user-specified (or evenuser implemented if desired) reconfiguration of a substantially genericdevice, as opposed to custom configured hardware for eachsubscriber/premises.

It will be recognized that while certain aspects of the invention aredescribed in terms of a specific sequence of steps of a method, thesedescriptions are only illustrative of the broader methods of theinvention, and may be modified as required by the particularapplication. Certain steps may be rendered unnecessary or optional undercertain circumstances. Additionally, certain steps or functionality maybe added to the disclosed embodiments, or the order of performance oftwo or more steps permuted. All such variations are considered to beencompassed within the invention disclosed and claimed herein.

While the above detailed description has shown, described, and pointedout novel features of the invention as applied to various embodiments,it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changesin the form and details of the device or process illustrated may be madeby those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. Theforegoing description is of the best mode presently contemplated ofcarrying out the invention. This description is in no way meant to belimiting, but rather should be taken as illustrative of the generalprinciples of the invention. The scope of the invention should bedetermined with reference to the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computerized method of providing access todigitally rendered media content via a premises network, thecomputerized method comprising: utilizing a computerized server processto access a database, the database comprising first data relating to thedigitally rendered media content accessible to the premises network;based at least on the access of the database, generating second datacomprising an HTML (Hypertext Markup Language)-based listing of thedigitally rendered media content within the database, the generatingcomprising sorting, based at least in part on a plurality of contenttypes, the digitally rendered media content within the HTML-basedlisting, the plurality of content types prioritized according to atleast a quality-of-service (QoS) policy; transmitting the second datacomprising the HTML-based listing to a computerized client device of thepremises network to enable rendering of the HTML-based listing by thecomputerized client device on a user interface of the computerizedclient device; receiving third data at the computerized server process,the third data relating to a request issued from the computerized clientdevice to access one or more of the digitally rendered media content ofthe HTML-based listing; based at least on the received third datarelating to the request, obtaining the requested digitally renderedmedia content from a storage entity via at least the premises network;and causing transmission of the obtained requested digitally renderedmedia content to the computerized client device via at least thepremises network for decoding and rendering by the computerized clientdevice, the transmission of the digitally rendered media contentcomprising transmission according to the QoS policy.
 2. The computerizedmethod of claim 1, wherein the generating the second data comprisescreating a webpage, the webpage comprising an embedded media playerapplication and associated control functions.
 3. The computerized methodof claim 1, further comprising associating the digitally rendered mediacontent with a plurality of copy protection rules, the plurality of copyprotection rules comprising at least data indicative that the digitallyrendered media content cannot become a source of multiple viewablecopies; and wherein the transmission of the digitally rendered mediacontent further comprises transmission of the copy protection rules tothe computerized client device.
 4. The computerized method of claim 1,further comprising causing the obtained requested digitally renderedmedia content to be removed from the storage entity, thereby preventingpersistent existence of more than one instance of the obtained requesteddigitally rendered media content within the premises network.
 5. Thecomputerized method of claim 1, further comprising converting theobtained requested digitally rendered media content from a firstencoding format to a second encoding format, the second formatcomprising a format capable of being utilized by the computerized clientdevice, the first format comprising a format not capable of beingutilized by the computerized client device.
 6. The computerized methodof claim 1, further comprising enabling a user of the computerizedclient device to rank the plurality of content types, wherein thesorting is further based on the ranking by the user of the plurality ofcontent types.
 7. Computer readable apparatus comprising anon-transitory storage medium, the non-transitory medium comprising atleast one computer program having a plurality of instructions, theplurality of instructions configured to, when executed on a digitalprocessing apparatus: utilize a computerized server process to access adatabase, the database comprising first data relating to the digitallyrendered media content accessible to a premises data network; based atleast on the access of the database, generate second data comprising anHTML (Hypertext Markup Language)-based data structure of the digitallyrendered media content within the database, wherein the digitallyrendered media content is represented by two or more display elementsprioritized in the HTML-based data structure according to two or moreprioritized types of services respectively associated with the digitallyrendered media content; transmit the second data comprising theHTML-based data structure to a first computerized client device of thepremises data network to enable rendering of the HTML-based datastructure by the first computerized client device on a user interface ofthe first computerized client device; receive third data at thecomputerized server process, the third data issued from the firstcomputerized client device and relating to a request to access one ormore of the digitally rendered media content of the HTML-based datastructure by a second computerized client device; based at least on thereceived third data relating to the request, obtain the requesteddigitally rendered media content from a computerized storage entity viaat least the premises data network; and cause transmission of theobtained digitally rendered media content to the second computerizedclient device via at least the premises data network for decoding andrendering by the second computerized client device; wherein therendering of the HTML-based data structure by the first computerizedclient device on the user interface of the first computerized clientdevice comprises a display of the two or more display elements in avisibility stack based on the prioritization thereof.
 8. The computerreadable apparatus of claim 7, wherein: the plurality of instructionsare further configured to, when executed on the digital processingapparatus: prioritize the digitally rendered media content of theHTML-based data structure according to data relating to aquality-of-service (QoS) policy; and access data relating to one or morecopy protection rules associated with the digitally rendered mediacontent; and the transmission of the obtained requested digitallyrendered media content (i) subject to the data relating to the one ormore copy protection rules, and (ii) based at least on the data relatingto the QoS policy.
 9. The computer readable apparatus of claim 8,wherein the data relating to the one or more copy protection rules isconfigured to indicate that the obtained requested digitally renderedmedia content (i) can be either copied freely, or (ii) can be copiedonce.
 10. The computer readable apparatus of claim 8, wherein the datarelating to the one or more copy protection rules is configured toindicate that the obtained requested digitally rendered media contentcannot be copied, but playback from the storage entity can be enabled.11. The computer readable apparatus of claim 7, wherein: the pluralityof instructions is further configured to, when executed on the digitalprocessing apparatus: perform at least one conversion of the digitallyrendered media content, the at least one conversion comprising aconversion of the digitally rendered media content from a first encodedformat of the digitally rendered media content as stored at the storageentity to a second encoded format utilized by the second computerizedclient device; and the first encoded format comprises Moving PictureExperts Group (MPEG)-2 encoding, and the second encoded format comprisesa non-MPEG encoding.
 12. The computer readable apparatus of claim 7,wherein the computerized storage entity comprises a digital videorecorder (DVR) function associated with a network-based service to whicha user of at least the first computerized client device is subscribed.13. The computer readable apparatus of claim 7, wherein: a first one ofthe two or more display elements comprises an in-focus display elementin the visibility stack based on the first one of the two or moredisplay elements having a higher priority than a second one of the twoor more display elements; the second one of the two or more displayelements comprises an out-of-focus display element in the visibilitystack based on the second one of the two or more display elements havinga lower priority than the first one of the two or more display elements;and a privileged application of the first computerized client device isconfigured to control the prioritization such that the second one of thetwo or more display elements changes to the in-focus display element.14. The computer readable apparatus of claim 7, wherein: the pluralityof instructions are further configured to, when executed on the digitalprocessing apparatus: based at least on the received third data relatingto the request, create a device-specific profile associated with thesecond computerized client device and store the device-specific profilein a database for use thereof at a future time with respect to adetermination of media encoding requirements, the device-specificprofile specifying one or more media encoding requirements for thesecond computerized client device; and the transmission of the digitallyrendered media content comprising transmission according to the one ormore media encoding requirements.
 15. Computerized network apparatusconfigured to provide access to digitally rendered media content via apremises network, the computerized network apparatus comprising: anapplication computer program operative to run on a computerized bridgingapparatus, the client application computer program comprising a webserver process; and a server apparatus comprising: digital processorapparatus; data network interface apparatus in data communication withthe digital processor apparatus; and storage apparatus in datacommunication with the digital processor apparatus, the storageapparatus comprising at least one computer program configured to, whenexecuted on the digital processor apparatus: utilize the web serverprocess to cause access of a database, the database comprising firstdata relating to the digitally rendered media content accessible to thepremises network; based at least on the access of the database, generatesecond data comprising an HTML (Hypertext Markup Language)-based datastructure of the digitally rendered media content within the database;transmit the second data comprising the HTML-based data structure to acomputerized client device of the premises network to enable renderingof the HTML-based data structure by the computerized client device on auser interface of the computerized client device, the computerizedclient device in data communication with the computerized bridgingapparatus; receive third data via the web server process, the third dataissued from the computerized client device and relating a request toaccess one or more of the digitally rendered media content of theHTML-based data structure, the third data further indicating that therequested one or more of the digitally rendered media content is beoptimized; and cause transmission of the one or more of the digitallyrendered media content to the computerized client device via at leastthe premises network for decoding and rendering thereby; wherein therendering of the HTML-based data structure causes two or more displayelements to be displayed on the user interface of the computerizedclient device according to a priority structure, the priority structureconfigurable by a privileged application of the computerized clientdevice.
 16. The computerized network apparatus of claim 15, furthercomprising at least one computerized authentication apparatus configuredto authenticate the computerized client device prior to the transmissionof the one or more of the digitally rendered media content thereto, theauthentication comprising utilization of security data associated withthe one or more of the digitally rendered media content.
 17. Thecomputerized network apparatus of claim 15, wherein the transmission ofthe one or more of the digitally rendered media content occurs inaccordance with digital rights management (DRM) license domainrequirements associated with the requested digitally rendered mediacontent.
 18. The computerized network apparatus of claim 15, wherein:the at least one computer program is further configured to, whenexecuted on the digital processor apparatus: store data representativeof a device-specific profile configured to indicate one or more formatscapable of being utilized by the computerized client device, wherein thestorage of the data representative of the device-specific profileenables the computerized network apparatus to configure digitallyrendered content requested at one or more future times according to aparticular format capable of being utilized by a type of device at whichthe digitally rendered media content requested at the one or more futuretimes is to be received; and perform transcoding of the digitallyrendered media content requested at the one or more future times intothe particular format, the transcoding comprising converting the atleast one of the plurality of digital media content to an Moving PictureExperts Group (MPEG)-4 container-compatible format.
 19. The computerizednetwork apparatus of claim 15, wherein: the data network interfaceapparatus is configured to receive one or more commands according to afirst protocol, the one or more commands being utilized to controlplayback of the transmitted digitally rendered media content; the atleast one computer program is further configured to, when executed onthe digital processor apparatus: based at least on the received thirddata relating to the request: obtain the requested digitally renderedmedia content from a storage entity via at least the premises network;and configure the requested digitally rendered media content, theconfiguration (i) based at least on a type of device of the computerizedclient device, and (ii) comprising transcoding the one or more commandsfrom the first protocol to a second protocol utilized by thecomputerized client device; and the server apparatus further comprisesan interface apparatus configured to control the computerized clientdevice using the second protocol.
 20. The computerized network apparatusof claim 15, wherein: the priority structure comprises a prioritizationof a plurality of content types according to at least aquality-of-service (QoS) policy, the plurality of content typesassociated with the digitally rendered media content; a first one of thetwo or more display elements comprises an in-focus display elementassociated with a first one of the plurality of content types having ahigher priority than one or more other ones of the plurality of contenttypes; and one or more second ones of the two or more display elementscomprise one or more out-of-focus display elements the one or more otherones of the plurality of content types having a lower priority than thefirst one of the plurality of content types.